@NoTabooPaintings

3 weeks ago

TRUTH HERE

The myth that Napoleon was short arose largely from British propaganda. His nickname, “Le Petit Caporal” (The Little Corporal), was actually an endearing term given by his soldiers, not a commentary on his height. In reality, Napoleon was around 5'6" to 5'7" (168–170 cm), which was typical for Frenchmen of the time. However, British satirists, like cartoonist James Gillray, depicted him as childishly small, often exaggerating his short stature as a way to diminish his power and reputation. This portrayal stuck, giving rise to the lasting “short Napoleon” myth.

BUT this channel is not about nonsense like someone's height but about paintings. And briefly about one I saw myself last summer in Vienna.

One of the most enduring images of Napoleon is Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David, painted initially in 1801. Commissioned by Charles IV of Spain to commemorate Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Marengo (1800), this dramatic painting shows Napoleon leading his troops through the Alps on a rearing stallion. His windswept hair, billowing cape, and steady gaze depict him as a heroic and almost mythical figure. So impressed by David’s work, Napoleon requested three additional copies, completed between 1801 and 1805, each version held in different European locations: Charlottenburg Palace (Berlin), Château de Saint-Cloud (Versailles), Belvedere (Vienna), and the Château de Malmaison. The painting became an iconic symbol of Napoleon’s ambition and leadership, reproduced widely in prints and inspiring other artists for years to come.

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